Sydney Open Symposium

On the traditional land of the Gadigal, Martin Place has always been a meeting place – originally around what was later named the Tank Stream, a freshwater tributary and a site of First Nations significance. In the 20th century, Martin Place was developed into a key commercial centre, as well as a focal point for people to commemorate, celebrate and congregate.

Join Museums of History NSW for the inaugural Sydney Open Symposium, where leading industry experts take a deep dive into conversations centred around architecture, design, placemaking and heritage.

Explore how the Sydney Metro Martin Place project seamlessly integrates a major interchange for Australia’s largest public transport project with Macquarie Bank’s new global headquarters.

Included on the day is a morning keynote session, ‘10 Million Hours’, an afternoon session, ‘How to Be a City’ and a 30-minute guided tour offering a behind-the-scenes exploration of our iconic building through architecture, art, and urban development.

Guest speakers include Professor the Hon Bob Carr; Graham Jahn AM, Chief Planner/Executive Director City Planning Development and Transport, Sydney; Hugh Lawson, Project Director for the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project; Matthew Morel, Director of JPW; Annette Pitman, CEO, Museums of History NSW; Jess Scully, former Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney and consultant to the World Bank; Michael Silman, Global Head of Corporate Real Estate Macquarie Group; and Philip Thalis, principal of Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects.